New to s4 flashing few quick questions - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

Hi, sorry to sound like a noob, but I have read so much and am trying to keep up with what works now but didn't work when some of the old posts I read were posted, and just some general questions to clear things up. My s4 comes tomorrow and I want to be clear I have this down, seems like a much bigger pain than my S3 at least upfront.
So lets assume it comes with mf3 out of the box. I assume it will, is this still the issue? Safestrap is what I do, there still isn't an unlocked bootloader?
So assuming it is mf3 this is what I gather I need to do. I will root by doing the thing with terminal and a micro sd. This still works? It's still as easy as the guide I found says it is? Just have the files on root of micro sd and run the command in terminal?
Ok, so after I root I install the safestrap apk (turn on all sources of course first) and then install it or hit install recovery or whatever it says. Then boot and when I see the splash screen hit the recovery option.
At this point is the most confusion. There is a lot of talk in older posts about creating ram slots and not over writing stock rom. However some more recent posts I read mention over writing stock rom with a custom rom. So what do I do here. Assuming I create a few rom slots can I essential dual boot between roms? Can I have a google play edition and a TW edition just a reboot away?
After I do whatever with a rom then flash the kernal from the safestrap post.
Then reboot into said rom.
Then that's it? Going forward I can overwrite a rom slot with whatever custom rom I want?
Is there any limitations to roms or anything?
Lastely, is there any progress in unlocking the bootloader to just put a custom recovery on and have it be like other devices, or with safestrap has everyone just given up on that?
Thanks.

You need to read this from the beginning of the page.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428254
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

[email protected] said:
You need to read this from the beginning of the page.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428254
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't really answer anything and in fact just seems to add to my issues.
"Also, at this time, only TW based ROMs will work with SS. CM, AOSP, AOKP, MIUI, etc will not work. "
is stated. However there are million other posts about people saying they are on CM or other AOSP roms.
It seems so much has changed over the past few months and sifting through all these posts and figuring what still applies now and what's old information seems impossible.
Plus I saw no post with actual discussion about overwriting stock rom. Just following along the safestrap thread all of a sudden people were saying don't do it, then all of a sudden people are doing it.

failedjedi said:
That doesn't really answer anything and in fact just seems to add to my issues.
"Also, at this time, only TW based ROMs will work with SS. CM, AOSP, AOKP, MIUI, etc will not work. "
is stated. However there are million other posts about people saying they are on CM or other AOSP roms.
It seems so much has changed over the past few months and sifting through all these posts and figuring what still applies now and what's old information seems impossible.
Plus I saw no post with actual discussion about overwriting stock rom. Just following along the safestrap thread all of a sudden people were saying don't do it, then all of a sudden people are doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay let me clear this up for you. A guy that worked at best buy got the mf3 tar files from the Samsung smart that they use at best buy to fix peoples phones. So with the newer posts saying do it, is because you have the tar files to Odin back to stock in case anything happens. So older posts we weren't able to do that because we didn't have the tar files.
Now there are 4.2.2 Google edition roms that are based on tw but has the aosp feel to it you can have as one slot, than you can have a tw in another slot and flash back and fourth, which you can have up to 3 or 4 Roms slots as long as you have the storage for it you can make it. It use to be that you could only make 1,2, or 3 gig ROM slots for safestrap but I think you can partition more gigs now.
The people that are saying that they're on cm, aosp Roms are people who have the MDL firmware which there was an exploit for the boot loader, once mf3 hit Samsung and att locked that exploit up and its been so locked down people are getting rid of their s4's.
If your phone comes with mf3 first thing to do is not to set up WiFi yet and don't take an update. Root the device via the SD card method or kingo root method, than get safestrap installed and flash whatever ROM two based ROM for 4.2.2 you want. Hope that clears up some things
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

[email protected] said:
Okay let me clear this up for you. A guy that worked at best buy got the mf3 tar files from the Samsung smart that they use at best buy to fix peoples phones. So with the newer posts saying do it, is because you have the tar files to Odin back to stock in case anything happens. So older posts we weren't able to do that because we didn't have the tar files.
Now there are 4.2.2 Google edition roms that are based on tw but has the aosp feel to it you can have as one slot, than you can have a tw in another slot and flash back and fourth, which you can have up to 3 or 4 Roms slots as long as you have the storage for it you can make it. It use to be that you could only make 1,2, or 3 gig ROM slots for safestrap but I think you can partition more gigs now.
The people that are saying that they're on cm, aosp Roms are people who have the MDL firmware which there was an exploit for the boot loader, once mf3 hit Samsung and att locked that exploit up and its been so locked down people are getting rid of their s4's.
If your phone comes with mf3 first thing to do is not to set up WiFi yet and don't take an update. Root the device via the SD card method or kingo root method, than get safestrap installed and flash whatever ROM two based ROM for 4.2.2 you want. Hope that clears up some things
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks for clearing that app. So when browsing ROMS I just have to make sure I get a TW based one, or even within touchwiz is there specific ROMS for mf3?

failedjedi said:
Ok, thanks for clearing that app. So when browsing ROMS I just have to make sure I get a TW based one, or even within touchwiz is there specific ROMS for mf3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you would have bothered to read the thread that was linked for you (that you claimed didn't help you) you would have seen a list of ROMs in the OP.

scott14719 said:
If you would have bothered to read the thread that was linked for you (that you claimed didn't help you) you would have seen a list of ROMs in the OP.
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Click to collapse
I see the list, does it say "these are the only working roms" - no.
It also says TW roms work, so do roms beyond those listed work. Or rather even if not confirmed "should" they work?
And lastly, the reason I made the original post in the first place, how current is that info. There is conflicting info all over the place, and so many posts like the one linked don't date updates and changes consistently.
If that was the definitive list 3 months ago, but more are widely accepted as working since then, I have no way of no way of knowing that.
There is no single post that has properly dated updated information all in one place. I appreciate there are people that have been doing this and keeping up with this stuff for a while now, but as a new s4 owner, this mf3 stuff is not only different, but all the proper info is spread out all over the place and not dated.

failedjedi said:
I see the list, does it say "these are the only working roms" - no.
It also says TW roms work, so do roms beyond those listed work. Or rather even if not confirmed "should" they work?
And lastly, the reason I made the original post in the first place, how current is that info. There is conflicting info all over the place, and so many posts like the one linked don't date updates and changes consistently.
If that was the definitive list 3 months ago, but more are widely accepted as working since then, I have no way of no way of knowing that.
There is no single post that has properly dated updated information all in one place. I appreciate there are people that have been doing this and keeping up with this stuff for a while now, but as a new s4 owner, this mf3 stuff is not only different, but all the proper info is spread out all over the place and not dated.
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That is why you need to take time to learn and read. It sounds as if you are wanting someone else to do all of the research for you. If the information is spread out to you, than it is to others also. Search, read, and learn...that is the only way to get the information you need. I'm really not sure what else you are looking for? If you are looking for someone to tell you exactly what ROMs (out of every ROM available) will work 100% in your situation you are, that person doesn't exist. So like I asked, what is it you are looking for? Maybe if you clarify your request you can get more help, but remember, not that you will do this, but don't ask for anything that you should be able to do yourself.

scott14719 said:
That is why you need to take time to learn and read. It sounds as if you are wanting someone else to do all of the research for you. If the information is spread out to you, than it is to others also. Search, read, and learn...that is the only way to get the information you need. I'm really not sure what else you are looking for? If you are looking for someone to tell you exactly what ROMs (out of every ROM available) will work 100% in your situation you are, that person doesn't exist. So like I asked, what is it you are looking for? Maybe if you clarify your request you can get more help, but remember, not that you will do this, but don't ask for anything that you should be able to do yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"It also says TW roms work, so do roms beyond those listed work. Or rather even if not confirmed "should" they work?"
That's what I'm looking for.
Can I in theory flash any TW ROM without risk of bricking, or am I actually limited to those confirmed. And follow up, how up to date is the confirmed list?
I can see all the information, I can do all the research, the problem is none of the information is dated, I read something about not overwriting stock rom slot, then I read something about doing it, and when nothing is dated for edits just the date of the original post shown, I don't know which piece of information is relevant and which piece to ignore.
If that list was dated and it was dated recently, I wouldn't have asked, I would have trusted it as an up to date list. But what if that list is 2 months old and there other roms now that are more relevant.

failedjedi said:
"It also says TW roms work, so do roms beyond those listed work. Or rather even if not confirmed "should" they work?"
That's what I'm looking for.
Can I in theory flash any TW ROM without risk of bricking, or am I actually limited to those confirmed. And follow up, how up to date is the confirmed list?
I can see all the information, I can do all the research, the problem is none of the information is dated, I read something about not overwriting stock rom slot, then I read something about doing it, and when nothing is dated for edits just the date of the original post shown, I don't know which piece of information is relevant and which piece to ignore.
If that list was dated and it was dated recently, I wouldn't have asked, I would have trusted it as an up to date list. But what if that list is 2 months old and there other roms now that are more relevant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is probably the best answer you are going to get (though others might be able to help you). The thread states to only use 4.22 TW ROMs. That means, that in theory, any 4.22 TW based ROM should work. However, if the ROM isn't specifically listed in that thread, it is your own risk to try it. There is always risk. No one can guarantee anything even if it somehow worked for them them. So if you try a ROM that is not in the list, you are taking a risk. There is no other way to put it. If you want to know about a specific ROM not on the list, and it meets the requirements, you will need to search the ROMs development thread to see if it is mentioned as working with SafeStrap and if it hasn't been mentioned, then ask in that specific thread. The information in the SafeStrap thread's OP is generally current but it is also important to read the entire thread to see what has changed from early on. It doesn't matter what anyone else claims to be running or doing, if it says to do or not do something in the OP, then listen to it. It you choose to do something different than what the OP states, it is your risk. Good luck.

scott14719 said:
This is probably the best answer you are going to get (though others might be able to help you). The thread states to only use 4.22 TW ROMs. That means, that in theory, any 4.22 TW based ROM should work. However, if the ROM isn't specifically listed in that thread, it is your own risk to try it. There is always risk. No one can guarantee anything even if it somehow worked for them them. So if you try a ROM that is not in the list, you are taking a risk. There is no other way to put it. If you want to know about a specific ROM not on the list, and it meets the requirements, you will need to search the ROMs development thread to see if it is mentioned as working with SafeStrap and if it hasn't been mentioned, then ask in that specific thread. The information in the SafeStrap thread's OP is generally current but it is also important to read the entire thread to see what has changed from early on. It doesn't matter what anyone else claims to be running or doing, if it says to do or not do something in the OP, then listen to it. It you choose to do something different than what the OP states, it is your risk. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"it is also important to read the entire thread to see what has changed from early on"
"It doesn't matter what anyone else claims to be running or doing, if it says to do or not do something in the OP, then listen to it."
This is my issue with the snarky comments here. You have been helpful, but all over there are snarky comments all with similar statements.
Make sure you read it, but don't trust what you read, make sure you spend 4 hours reading a 100+ page forum before you ask a simple question, I have seen simple yes/no questions answered with paragraph responses bashing OP for not reading.
Now in my case the 3 main posts that people should read to do this, if they were dated I would have been fine.
Again, not anyone here specifically for the most part, but XDA in general is full of this superiority attitude.

failedjedi said:
"it is also important to read the entire thread to see what has changed from early on"
"It doesn't matter what anyone else claims to be running or doing, if it says to do or not do something in the OP, then listen to it."
This is my issue with the snarky comments here. You have been helpful, but all over there are snarky comments all with similar statements.
Make sure you read it, but don't trust what you read, make sure you spend 4 hours reading a 100+ page forum before you ask a simple question, I have seen simple yes/no questions answered with paragraph responses bashing OP for not reading.
Now in my case the 3 main posts that people should read to do this, if they were dated I would have been fine.
Again, not anyone here specifically for the most part, but XDA in general is full of this superiority attitude.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a "superiority" attitude as you put it, it is the RULES. You are expected to read as much as you need to to learn. If that means 1 day or 100 days, it's up to you. This is a development forum and not a "tutorial site. People are very helpful if you at least try to help yourself first. I told you, there is no "easy" answer for what you ask. You HAVE to try the ROMs for yourself if you want to risk it. Expecting someone else to do it so they can run back and give you the answer after they took the risk is a "superiority" attitude. I also told you,DO WHAT THE OP STATES! Anything else is your risk. Why is that hard to understand? Anything you try that is not stated in the OP is untried, unproven, and risky. It's that simple.

scott14719 said:
It's not a "superiority" attitude as you put it, it is the RULES. You are expected to read as much as you need to to learn. If that means 1 day or 100 days, it's up to you. This is a development forum and not a "tutorial site. People are very helpful if you at least try to help yourself first. I told you, there is no "easy" answer for what you ask. You HAVE to try the ROMs for yourself if you want to risk it. Expecting someone else to do it so they can run back and give you the answer after they took the risk is a "superiority" attitude. I also told you,DO WHAT THE OP STATES! Anything else is your risk. Why is that hard to understand? Anything you try that is not stated in the OP is untried, unproven, and risky. It's that simple.
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I asked for clarification on conflicting information.
It's not hard to understand do what OP says. It's the fact that in 2 sentences you said both to read EVERYTHING for information, then insist on only getting viable information from OP, which is it?
I tried to only follow OP but saw conflicting info so asked for clarification, then get told to read everything. Then get told don't trust what I read only follow what OP says. When there are 3 different "must read" posts, by 3 different authors and they are conflicting what the f*** is anyone supposed to do.
You are the one that makes seem like I'm asking to be guided through baby steps. I didn't. I asked if all TW roms should in theory work, a simple yes, or as you finally did say in theory they should, would have sufficed. Just a simple clarification, instead you are the one putting more work into the issue. That could have ended it right there, instead you keep posting more contradictory statements.
I read, I figured out all the steps I needed to take, some stuff was worded odd, or had conflicting info and I just wanted clarification on what was still relevant. God forbid someone have to say yes or no to a few questions to save others the time of reading hundreds of pages stuff that is out of date.

Hey Mod this is going know where.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Related

Source Code for Straight Talk Galaxy S II Released/Found

I'm honestly not sure where to post this, I found it on another forum (and that post was made about three hours ago). In any case, Samsung appears to have open sourced the stock firmware and kernel for Straight Talk's version of the Galaxy S II.
If you go to http://opensource.samsung.com/ and search of the model number - SGH-S959G - it's the only thing that comes up. The download appears to be just what it says, the uncompiled source code.
I've been looking for stock ever since I bought this phone and since I'm not exactly green when it comes to Linux and using a terminal, I'm tempted to give a crack at compiling this myself. Anybody have any experience with this? It can't be too hard...right? :silly:
(source: http://androidarea51.com/modifications/straight-talk-s2-sgh-s959g-source-code/msg8830/)
IndigoAK said:
I'm honestly not sure where to post this, I found it on another forum (and that post was made about three hours ago). In any case, Samsung appears to have open sourced the stock firmware and kernel for Straight Talk's version of the Galaxy S II.
If you go to http://opensource.samsung.com/ and search of the model number - SGH-S959G - it's the only thing that comes up. The download appears to be just what it says, the uncompiled source code.
I've been looking for stock ever since I bought this phone and since I'm not exactly green when it comes to Linux and using a terminal, I'm tempted to give a crack at compiling this myself. Anybody have any experience with this? It can't be too hard...right? :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't get the stock firmware by compiling the kernel, mate. Why do you want stock when you already have stock (original) firmware? If you're looking for unbranded, you're unlikely to find it as you have a carrier specific phone.
Force Close said:
You won't get the stock firmware by compiling the kernel, mate. Why do you want stock when you already have stock (original) firmware? If you're looking for unbranded, you're unlikely to find it as you have a carrier specific phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware of how this source code works!
IndigoAK I am the one that posted the link on AA51. The file appears to be in tar.gz format like what is used for install through odin. I have not tested it, as I am not a developer, or in need of flashing to factory firmware at this time. I posted it as I seen many people looking for it. I believe it is needed to be able to safely start making modifications for this phone, CWM, Root, custom ROMs, ect., and being able to flash back to stock if something goes wrong. Hopefully with the information out there now it will jump start development.
Edit: After further research the source code files are used to create the firmware, and these cannot be installed through Odin. Feel free to correct me if I'm still wrong.
mr-cook said:
IndigoAK I am the one that posted the link on AA51. The file appears to be in tar.gz format like what is used for install through odin. I have not tested it, as I am not a developer, or in need of flashing to factory firmware at this time. I posted it as I seen many people looking for it. I believe it is needed to be able to safely start making modifications for this phone, CWM, Root, custom ROMs, ect., and being able to flash back to stock if something goes wrong. Hopefully with the information out there now it will jump start development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I probably should have linked to your post. I apologize.
I just thought that posting it here on XDA might get it seen by more people who might know how to put this to use.
Hopefully somebody does put it to use. Due to the way that Straight Talked has gimped this phone, it's going to take the community to really make it worth the price they're charging for it.
I tried to link to the original post on android area 51, but as a new member I am not allowed, yet. I am just trying to get information out there, so thank you for posting it here (as I just now joined). The phone is fairly new and under advertised, but hopefully these posts will stir interest.
I was looking under the battery cover and noticed the FCC id for this phone (SGH-S959G) is A3L SGH I777. Now for everyone smarter than I. Does this mean that the phone is an i777, and would all the mods and ROMs ect. be directly compatible. Also its android 2.3.6. Version s959g UDLG1. Kernel 2.6.35.7. Any thoughts, educated opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Sent from my Galaxy Precedent using Tapatalk 2
mr-cook said:
I was looking under the battery cover and noticed the FCC id for this phone (SGH-S959G) is A3L SGH I777. Now for everyone smarter than I. Does this mean that the phone is an i777, and would all the mods and ROMs ect. be directly compatible. Also its android 2.3.6. Version s959g UDLG1. Kernel 2.6.35.7. Any thoughts, educated opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Sent from my Galaxy Precedent using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Everything needs to be modified. The I777 rooting method works for this device, but nobody has been able to get past that as far as I'm aware. I've lost count of the number of times I've had to double reboot my phone trying to install every custom recovery image (and searching around suggests this is the case for a lot of other people) I can get my hands on and I've kept a pretty close eye on custom firmware sites - none of them have added support for this device (probably because you can't install a custom recovery image yet).
Guys I have the same problem, I tried to root my Straight Talk Galaxy SII using the AT&T root but CWM doesn't install and the root breaks the Wifi, Contacts save option, several apps like YouTube. I cannot revert back to the stock ROM due to this issue and I really could use the help.. I'm surprised that DEV teams haven't done much on the phone considering for 45 dollars a month you get really fast 7mb/s speed.
I'm willing to do whatever I can to contribute to a way of finally getting this awesome phone off of a sucky stock rom.
Thanks everyone!
I was just curious if it could be fully flashed to stock i777 GB. As it appears to be the exact same hardware. Completely start over making it the at&t i777.
Sent from my SGH-S959G using Tapatalk 2
mr-cook said:
I was just curious if it could be fully flashed to stock i777 GB. As it appears to be the exact same hardware. Completely start over making it the at&t i777.
Sent from my SGH-S959G using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. I tried this.
Also, if your WiFi doesn't work, you probably used the Zedomax kernal. Search XDA for Entropy's kernel and use that instead.
LOOKIN. For Fully Rooted .. Samsung Galaxy s2. Sgh-s959g From Straight Talk. FLASHED a kernel dat when loading. Tells me its a sgh-i9100 ... has a ... ! ...triangle under it...and when I check the info on bout phone. It says sgh-i777.. any links for the best FULLY ROOTED kernels GB?.. PS. Willing to do testing with this phone from straight talk. But has. Att kernel.. one from. Entropy! !! Thanks 

I've had it...

Help...please.
Rooting this phone is a convoluted bunch of bull****.
I am on OC4. I need to downgrade. Yet every tutorial I go to is full of broken links for the files I need and over a year old.
So far I have these as steps.
1. Downgrade via Odin somehow, not sure what file to use for that, as most links are broken af due to their age. I have Odin 3.10.
2. Towelroot.
3. Recovery
4. Custom rom, going Cyanogen.
5. I have seen threads mentioning having to downgrade my Kernel? Where does that fit in?
Before you ask I have searched google and this forum first, as per protocol. I probably didn't look hard enough.
I am not asking for a step by step, just updated links or tutorials, and maybe some info on what I have right and wrong.
I am NOT NEW to rooting android phones. Rooted the last 5 I've owned starting with the G1.
Thanks in advance. Sorry for the noobness. This S5 isn't like my 4G LTE or Droid Incrdible, but it is still pissing me off.
Honestly77 said:
Help...please.
Rooting this phone is a convoluted bunch of bull****.
I am on OC4. I need to downgrade. Yet every tutorial I go to is full of broken links for the files I need and over a year old.
So far I have these as steps.
1. Downgrade via Odin somehow, not sure what file to use for that, as most links are broken af due to their age. I have Odin 3.10.
2. Towelroot.
3. Recovery
4. Custom rom, going Cyanogen.
5. I have seen threads mentioning having to downgrade my Kernel? Where does that fit in?
Before you ask I have searched google and this forum first, as per protocol. I probably didn't look hard enough.
I am not asking for a step by step, just updated links or tutorials, and maybe some info on what I have right and wrong.
I am NOT NEW to rooting android phones. Rooted the last 5 I've owned starting with the G1.
Thanks in advance. Sorry for the noobness. This S5 isn't like my 4G LTE or Droid Incrdible, but it is still pissing me off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no Cyanogen ROMs for our phones, since that requires a different kernel than our locked bootloader can accept. Which ROM do you want to use? I'll see if I can put together a quick guide for you. I personally use Freedom ROM, which currently uses an OC4 base.
Right here buddy 3rd post. Most of this stuff is pretty easy you just have to read threw the threads.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/help/samsung-user-lollipop-to-root-t3092863
Thanks and that thread never appeared in my searches. That and I don't have time to go through thousands of results. It'd take me longer than this did. Also. Cyanogen for galaxy s5
.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ent/rom-cyanogenmod-12-1-android-5-1-t3066252
freedom rom and alliance rom look good. So one of those if cyanogen doesn't work.
Honestly77 said:
Thanks and that thread never appeared in my searches. That and I don't have time to go through thousands of results. It'd take me longer than this did. Also. Cyanogen for galaxy s5
.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ent/rom-cyanogenmod-12-1-android-5-1-t3066252
freedom rom and alliance rom look good. So one of those if cyanogen doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah you can only use t-wiz base roms because of the bootloader.
Honestly77 said:
Thanks and that thread never appeared in my searches. That and I don't have time to go through thousands of results. It'd take me longer than this did. Also. Cyanogen for galaxy s5
.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ent/rom-cyanogenmod-12-1-android-5-1-t3066252
freedom rom and alliance rom look good. So one of those if cyanogen doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you bought a Developer edition with an unlocked bootloader, it's best to stay away from the Unified Development section. You'll just end up with your heartbroken, since they all require kernels that we can't get on our phone. Your best bet is to stick within the Verizon-specific development thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/development
And make sure you end up with the right firmware (bootloader, kernel, modem) that matches the ROM you choose! Otherwise, you won't boot up. It took me a few failed boots and attempts before I learned that the hard way.

Disappointing community...

I must say I'm deeply disappointed by the lack of responsiveness on the LG forums. So far, none of my queries (none too difficult, mostly regarding specific steps or problems during flashing) have been answered. Coming from a Samsung I must say those XDA forums were beehives compared to the utter deadliness that reigns here. I understand that there can't be many roms as long as only the international version can be unlocked, but it is frustrating to have to get into a whole new ballgame as far as flashing etc. is concerned (compared to Samsung practices) without some assistance from the community.
Sorry about this, I just needed to unload my chagrin...
I don't have experience flashing this device. One reason is that Verizon detects if you're rooted and I don't want to void my warranty so soon after getting the device.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 08:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:25 AM ----------
Also, no ROMs anyway... :' -(
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
I've had a couple of questions and whilst they have taken a little longer than normal to be answered, I'm not overly fussed because I'm getting help for free so if it's not immediate, it doesn't really matter. LG rooting/flashing is completely new to me too so I'd rather wait than rush in without fully understanding what I was doing.
What issues do you have?
El Presidente81 said:
I've had a couple of questions and whilst they have taken a little longer than normal to be answered, I'm not overly fussed because I'm getting help for free so if it's not immediate, it doesn't really matter. LG rooting/flashing is completely new to me too so I'd rather wait than rush in without fully understanding what I was doing.
What issues do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's free and I shouldn't complain. But the difference with the Samsung community is striking. And it's precisely because all is new that one hopes for some assistance. Look at the last post of this thread. Maybe I'm spoilt having to wait for 2 days, but somehow I suspect I'll never get an answer. And maybe it's also because there are not enough knowledgable members on the LG forums, which means that one is always dependent on the OP.
bartveld said:
I know it's free and I shouldn't complain. But the difference with the Samsung community is striking. And it's precisely because all is new that one hopes for some assistance. Look at the last post of this thread. Maybe I'm spoilt having to wait for 2 days, but somehow I suspect I'll never get an answer. And maybe it's also because there are not enough knowledgable members on the LG forums, which means that one is always dependent on the OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must understand that it's not we people don't want to reply to you, and for your question in regards to the post, I'm pretty sure a search would bring up many queries that you have been asking before. The phone has only been out for a few months, and people are slowly working on the progress for this phone. It's not that people have no knowledge, it's just that the community (let's be frank) is not as large as Samsung's community. We can try to provide as much help as possible, but sometimes help us out by doing a search before questioning stuffs.
We all that come towards this forum wanted to see something more, something exciting and play around with custom roms and stuff, but there's their pros and cons.
For example, there's already a team building towards CM/Blisspop, and they are progressing steadily, bringing us updates and fixes that will eventually be available for everyone.
So sometimes, just have the patience to wait, or if you really need to query in regards to stuff, you could do a PM.
Do not follow that guide until you are already running version F. You will lose exfat on your SD card
Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk
Coming from a Nexus 4 the tumbleweed here is a bit odd but if a phone is pretty well locked down that does cramp this forums style a bit.
On the other hand the only niggle I have with the G4 is the horrible over saturated tones that make reds look purple. If I could tone that back say 20% it would be nearly perfect for me.
tdevaughn said:
Do not follow that guide until you are already running version F. You will lose exfat on your SD card
Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tdevaughn, you are referring to my question in the other thread? But how am I ever getting to version F as I am already rooted and running a flashed stock rom (version d, with necessarily Updates turned off)?
Indicious Flow said:
You must understand that it's not we people don't want to reply to you, and for your question in regards to the post, I'm pretty sure a search would bring up many queries that you have been asking before. The phone has only been out for a few months, and people are slowly working on the progress for this phone. It's not that people have no knowledge, it's just that the community (let's be frank) is not as large as Samsung's community. We can try to provide as much help as possible, but sometimes help us out by doing a search before questioning stuffs.
We all that come towards this forum wanted to see something more, something exciting and play around with custom roms and stuff, but there's their pros and cons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just that sometimes a question is so specific that a search won't do. As is my question in the thread which you OP'ed (or was that already answered in that thread and I overlooked it?). And PM'ing... now that I would consider harrassment.
Anyway, I hear you and I certainly appreciate the efforts of people like yourself. “Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.”
The only question nobody can answer in the G4 is why are we obliged to flash a kdz file to update the fw when you have an unlocked bootloader (official root). Losing internal data + root everytime we want to update the fw!!
Why isn't a way to extract the fw files from the kdz so we can flash them without data and twrp loss like they do it on htc s_off phones?
Sent from my LG-H815 using XDA Free mobile app
bartveld said:
how am I ever getting to version F as I am already rooted and running a flashed stock rom (version d, with necessarily Updates turned off)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just taking a stab at it
1. flash back to a non-rooted system image (a search will probably turn something up) for your current version
2. ENABLE UPDATES! and retrieve the OTAs to, um, UPDATE? (gee.. if you disabled updates, I WONDER why updates won't work)
3a. find a rooted system image for your new version and dd flash that
or
3b. follow guide to dd pull your non-rooted system partition, inject SuperSu, and dd flash your self-made rooted system image
bartveld said:
It's just that sometimes a question is so specific that a search won't do. As is my question in the thread which you OP'ed (or was that already answered in that thread and I overlooked it?). And PM'ing... now that I would consider harrassment.
Anyway, I hear you and I certainly appreciate the efforts of people like yourself. “Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.”
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well for me, I've never thought of PM as a spam. At least you can easily get your questions asked and answered without questioning the other members who may or may not be new to the forum and just slowly learning So if you really have anything to ask, feel free to ask. And to answer your question in regards to the other thread, the command for that is universal for H815 variants, and works on all the rooted images out there.
you know what I was thinking the exact same thing
When i first got my G4 i tried to root and cocked it up totally so posted on here and got about 3 replies, this was my first Android phone previously having the crappy fruit phone for 10 years
I am an experienced computer user and have mucked about with all kinds of stuff for years
One thing that has stuck in my mind i read a comment on a thread here that said something like 'thats why noobs shouldnt root phones' - what kind of person thinks this way? I will go out of my way to help people in this type of situation
Anyways I am now pretty mustard on the G4 and know my phone/rooting inside out after spending the last 6 or so weeks finding out the wrongs and rights of rooting with several mishaps and always finding my answers due to the few helpful peeps around here
There are some brilliant posters on here and there are also some right ****ing morons
disappointing user...
all answers already out there.. but wants hand held instead of searching/reading.
(see, goes both ways)
autoprime said:
disappointing user...
all answers already out there.. but wants hand held instead of searching/reading.
(see, goes both ways)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you ever have a problem with your electrics let me know i will be more than happy to help you if i can ... without patronising you
BTW you have helped me out more than you know
Well usually if someone has an answer they'll share ot or tell you where to look. If they haven't then maybe they don't know either.. I rarely have to ask questions because I read and search and help out where/when I'm able. Half the time IF I do.ask a question I end up finding the answer shortly after on my own because of my diligence and risk taking. There aren't necessarily a lot of roms out there( which I don't care anyway), but the rest is still okay. I mean there's root and xposed and that's even for locked down variants too. Maybe it's just me cause I didn't always have it so good. I had phones that we had ridiculously hard methods of obtaining root and unlock if ever. We found a way though and now things are a hell of a lot easier. Idk I just don't see the point in a thread like this..
As a matter of fact this is the first phone I haven't rooted or Jailbreaked day one, mostly because I bought it as a cure for a flash o holic A new Nexus line is on its way, hopefully with a ok camera, it's going to be my flashy phone and this one will be the stockish backup
Skickat från min LG-H815 via Tapatalk
I'm not sure it's fair to compare a forum for this device to the various Samsung ones when Samsung is the second largest phone manufacturer in the world and by far the most popular Android OEM.
vegetaleb said:
The only question nobody can answer in the G4 is why are we obliged to flash a kdz file to update the fw when you have an unlocked bootloader (official root). Losing internal data + root everytime we want to update the fw!!
Why isn't a way to extract the fw files from the kdz so we can flash them without data and twrp loss like they do it on htc s_off phones?
Sent from my LG-H815 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash as many KDZ's as you want without losing data. I have done it a few times now myself. I don't know where you got the idea that you lose your data every time..
Yes you lose root though. It's pretty simple to flash a rooted image after you get root back, though.
There are two options when flashing a KDZ with LG Flash Tool. Wipe or don't wipe. Pretty simple.
Or is it different with an unlocked bootloader?
GibMcFragger said:
You can flash as many KDZ's as you want without losing data. I have done it a few times now myself. I don't know where you got the idea that you lose your data every time..
Yes you lose root though. It's pretty simple to flash a rooted image after you get root back, though.
There are two options when flashing a KDZ with LG Flash Tool. Wipe or don't wipe. Pretty simple.
Or is it different with an unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea! The dude who made the tutorial on how to get back to stock using kdz told me I will loose TWRP, though no idea if I will loose bootloader unlock too, if that's the case the process of unlocking the bootloader will wipe all data
vegetaleb said:
I have no idea! The dude who made the tutorial on how to get back to stock using kdz told me I will loose TWRP, though no idea if I will loose bootloader unlock too, if that's the case the process of unlocking the bootloader will wipe all data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok. Yes, you will also lose TWRP. I guess it is more of a pain with an unlocked bootloader. Mine is locked, so I don't get TWRP. I just flash whatever KDZ, pull system image, inject root, flash the rooted image.

Installed a custom KERNEL but it broke my phone (or I did something wrong) .

I really need help, my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has just got a red screen since i installed a Kernel and i cant use my phone at all.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The Kernel I uses was Super Kernel and I also had the Super Man ROM
Thanks A Lot Guys
Just flash stock boot.img from TWRP recovery and you will be fine if you cant get into recovery go to download mode and flash stock firmware with odin
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Why did you flash a kernel? Do you know what a kernel is, and what is does? Do you know how to recover in case things go wrong? Nope, so you should probably do some reading before you decide to modify anything next time.
You probably flashed the "Flat" kernel. Download the Edge kernel and install it.
I always do a nandroid,and back up recovery and boot via Flashify.
Your phone will live.
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app
J.Biden said:
Why did you flash a kernel? Do you know what a kernel is, and what is does? Do you know how to recover in case things go wrong? Nope, so you should probably do some reading before you decide to modify anything next time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
he asked for help not a lecture.
simonhcai said:
he asked for help not a lecture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He still needs to do his research and tons of reading
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my Gorgeous Echoe driven AEL Kernel Powered G935F
simonhcai said:
he asked for help not a lecture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you really think that people are lining up here to help people that have not read a single guide or anything? Do you think people are getting paid helping around here? I'm not giving him a lecture, but it's expected that you know what the F you're doing before doing anything. You must be new around here.
J.Biden said:
Do you really think that people are lining up here to help people that have not read a single guide or anything? Do you think people are getting paid helping around here? I'm not giving him a lecture, but it's expected that you know what the F you're doing before doing anything. You must be new around here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know he hasnt read a single thing?everyone's a noob at some point and if hes made a genuine mistake then maybe asking for help from people who could stop him from ruining his phone which he might have a long contract on,if you know how to help him the time you spent replying you maybe could of solved this problem for him.
simonhcai said:
How do you know he hasnt read a single thing?everyone's a noob at some point and if hes made a genuine mistake then maybe asking for help from people who could stop him from ruining his phone which he might have a long contract on,if you know how to help him the time you spent replying you maybe could of solved this problem for him.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He would know how to recover from this if he had done some proper reading. If he isn't even aware what a kernel is, or how to recover, he hasn't been reading, has he? The solution is not to first flash, fail, and then ask questions. Read, read and read, then flash and succeed.
TL;DR: Read.
J.Biden said:
He would know how to recover from this if he had done some proper reading. If he isn't even aware what a kernel is, or how to recover, he hasn't been reading, has he? The solution is not to first flash, fail, and then ask questions. Read, read and read, then flash and succeed.
TL;DR: Read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically sums up XDA. Also don't like people who go on spamming "HALP" without posting a logcat (or a last_ksmg in case of kernels) or any other info that could possibly help identify the issue and expecting devs to magically help them. People really need to read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2031989&postcount=45
Although I would like to add that sometimes it's not totally the user's fault, as many kernel threads don't really provide any information regarding the behavior of the kernel in certain conditions, or the OP of the thread does a poor job at explaining which files to grab or how to flash and whether to wipe any cache partitions (or whatever the post-flash requirements are) or the requirements of the kernel. For example, I installed jesse's kernel and it caused my phone to fail verification on bootup, even when I had dm-verity disabled. Now, people should read the thread before flashing, because there's a possibility that someone else had a certain issue that you may face upon installation, but I feel the OPs should have a section called "Common/Rare Issues" in the thread where user-verified solutions to common/rare problems found when flashing the OP's kernel/ROM are available, so you don't have to search hundreds of pages to find a fix. If you look at the threads of some popular ROMs/kernels, they have one, for the same reason. In my case, I was the first one to face it, so I had to figure out on my own why it happened and find my own fix, that took me a couple of hours. But having such a section saves you time, which is helpful regardless of whether you're capable of identifying the cause of a problem and fixing it yourself or not. I have a "Common problems" section in my app's descriptions for the same reason, because I like to think from the user's perspective as well, plus I don't want my users to be spamming my inbox asking for fixes to common problems, it's more efficient to have a FAQ.
But yeah, READ, UNDERSTAND, LEARN, instead of just expecting people to magically help you with your problems.
Hello !
1. Download Samsung-smart-switch.
2. Install it and run it.
3. Choose more on Top of program and choose the first Part of the menu (intialize software...or so)
4. Follow the instructions on screen and voila .....
YOUR PHONE IS BACK WITH ALL ON STOCK
Hope it helps you

[MODS & FIXES] G955U/G955U1 SamPWND List

This is an effort to consolidate fixes, tweaks and mods specific to the rooted G955U/G955U1 SnapDragon S8+ via SamPWND.
The initial release of root for this version by the development, contributions and tireless efforts from elliwigy, Harry44, akiraO1, BotsOne, GSMCHEN and jrkruse are obviously being enjoyed by many, as is evident by the visits to elliwigy's release page.
Unfortunately, that thread is in dire need of clean-up because it has become a hodgepodge of redundant rooting questions, helpful answer posts (and complaints), all infused with a few mods and tweaks mentioned.
So let's share what can be done (and what cannot thus far) with this rooted version.
Please (!!!), already be aware of which device you have, and if SamPWND works on your device. "How do / Can I root my..." questions simply don't belong here!
Let's try to keep it clean in here by looking around the forum first before posting, but also by being helpful and not condescending to those of us enjoying root who are perhaps not as knowledgeable about such matters as others.
Some of the most common questions being asked, and their answers from that thread
Flashfire infinitely spinning for part 2 root steps
Turn on airplane mode
Is there a fix for the 80% battery max capacity?
No, and it seems unlikely at this stage. Make yourself happy and hide your battery percentage.
Green/glitchy screen
Most (including myself) have resolved or heavily mitigated this via the AQI1 fw posted recently.
S8+: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...sampwnd-root-green-screen-corruption-t3673810
S8: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ampwnd-green-screen-corruption-fixed-t3673782
Does Magisk work with this root?
No.
Does Xposed work on this root?
Unofficially yes, search for unofficial Xposed s8, it will be in the device forums. Edit-or use this link: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/unofficial-xposed-guide-snapdragon-s8-t3663728
Can I install custom roms?
No, the BL is still locked. The last I read is there are some ideas around how we might achieve an unlock, but nothing so far. There's is the modified stock rom available in the OP of the root thread that provides csc and superSU but beyond that, no.
Screen rotation is messed up / reversed
You downloaded the wrong step 1 files. Try again for your device (plus or non-plus)
I can't think of any other recurring questions, but I've been keeping up to date on that post for more of the 318-or-so pages, and there's a lot of other useful information held within them. Worth a read.
Awesome first response!
So can I start with this:
"Unofficial Xposed'...
Where are the where's & how's located for our specific device, along with the yeahs & no's about what Xposed can do? I've looked and read, but there really is no clear post (that I have found) saying that our model can (or can't) DL Xposed and make things work.
Out of level 8, I'm probably a level 2 coming from rooting back in the days of the first Droid LOL! So I figure if we can keep things down to a level 3 or 4 here, we can learn and teach about WHY certain things won't work.
I'm also very interested in the capabilities of our camera. I used to use chdk to hack Cannon P&S cameras, and despite all my hours doing so, the hardware could never deliver night shots like this phone!
AddictedToGlass said:
Awesome first response!
So can I start with this:
"Unofficial Xposed'...
Where are the where's & how's located for our specific device, along with the yeahs & no's about what Xposed can do? I've looked and read, but there really is no clear post (that I have found) saying that our model can (or can't) DL Xposed and make things work.
Out of level 8, I'm probably a level 2 coming from rooting back in the days of the first Droid LOL! So I figure if we can keep things down to a level 3 or 4 here, we can learn and teach about WHY certain things won't work.
I'm also very interested in the capabilities of our camera. I used to use chdk to hack Cannon P&S cameras, and despite all my hours doing so, the hardware could never deliver night shots like this phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have read my post just before I edited it to add the links. The link I posted for the s8 is where all if the Xposed info is held for our devices. I am currently running it with the latest fw I also linked to with no problems. That thread also contains a few modules the OP has verified working. I am currently only using it for a couple of tweaks from "all my.." and xVoice++. I also was utilizing this Xposed version before flashing the fw mentioned, and it's worked perfectly for both. I can't remember which fw I was on previously though.
regarding camera mods, I made an attempt the moment I got the phone to replace the stock camera with a ported pixel, before researching how to do it properly these days. Wound up with crashing camera warnings every 30 seconds and my backup wouldn't restore properly in titanium and had to reset completely and start fresh.
I used to root back in the Motorola Droid (original) days, when root required 30-or-so lines of commands, I'm sure you remember funny how we've come full circle. I swapped to iPhone for the iPhone 4, enjoyed a bootrom exploit for several iOS versions, and stuck with apple up until just last weekend so it's been a while since I've been on the root scene myself, much has changed indeed. It's the first Android device (S8+ here) that actually made me want to switch away from apple, and I don't yet regret it.
nice concept.. just a forewarning tho, these posts typically go in general discussion..
elliwigy said:
nice concept.. just a forewarning tho, these posts typically go in general discussion..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! And it's alright if it gets moved there so long as it still helps everyone out and you wizards walk through once in a while to bless us all with a bit of wisdom. LOL!
Meanwhile, for as long as it's allowed to stay here, it might serve well to keep distractions off your release thread.
elliwigy said:
nice concept.. just a forewarning tho, these posts typically go in general discussion..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering less than one hour after I replied with the common questions and answers, someone asked about flashfire on page like 318 again, I'm sure this post is pretty low on priority for the people who tend to ask the questions.
I just finished rooting my sprint s8+ with sampwned. I installed my 256gb micro sdcard and I get the kernel panic reboot to error screen. Am I unable to use the sdcard? I'm scouring xda for any info. Just looking for a little help if anyone knows anything I don't. Thanks.
Nice idea OP.
Some fixes may be had by using the @partcyborg ROM for S8. It is in the S8 ROMs, Kernels, ... Forum https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/development/root-partcyborgrom-aqi6-deodexed-t3702988
For the S8+ @jrkruse has some good info in the S8+ Verizon, ROMs, Kernels, ... Forum. https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s8+/development
monroe0328 said:
I just finished rooting my sprint s8+ with sampwned. I installed my 256gb micro sdcard and I get the kernel panic reboot to error screen. Am I unable to use the sdcard? I'm scouring xda for any info. Just looking for a little help if anyone knows anything I don't. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think u pmd me but flashing a newer combo boot.img fixes it.. its a known issue with samsungs older combo firmwares, not related to root
elliwigy said:
i think u pmd me but flashing a newer combo boot.img fixes it.. its a known issue with samsungs older combo firmwares, not related to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea thats what I did. Problem solved.
Just want to add that the Official xposed app and framework, work on this device
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

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